Scout Falls

Starting at a little over 7,300 feet, the Timpooneke Trailhead offers a beautiful alpine setting for starting your hike. Several trails originate from the same parking lot so you will want to make sure you get on the correct trail. The parking lot can also get quite full on summer days as people embark to different destinations. This hike is best enjoyed early in the day before the sun is too high, or in the evening after the sun starts to fall behind Mt. Timpanogos above you. It is 1.4 miles each way, with just under 700 feet elevation gain.

Look for the guard station and follow the trail that passes the station. It is the same trail that eventually heads all the way to the summit of Mt. Timpanogos. There is a register as well, and it is always advised to sign in (and out) so that you are covered in emergencies. 

Once you pass the guard station, the trail gradually gains elevation through aspens and thick brush and foliage. Less than a half mile in, you will come to the base of a meadow, turn slightly west, and head up a slightly steeper section. This is less shaded than the initial section. 

You will be traversing across the east-facing slope as you gain elevation, with partial views of the falls to your southeast. 

At just over 1 mile, you will get to the first switchback  which will have an unofficial trail heading east toward the river below the waterfall. You can take this route to get to the base of the falls, although it requires ascending up a rock fall that may not be as easy, especially for kids. 

If you stay on the main trail, you will switchback for approximately 0.3 miles before you get to the beginning of the second full switchback, where another unofficial trail leads to the base of the waterfall. While not overly difficult, you do have to climb up a small section of rocks and tree roots, then follow a fairly narrow, but well packed, path to the base of the falls. While not extremely dangerous, this is a spot you should keep your younger children close for safety.

Once there, enjoy the multiple falls that are all in immediate view. Depending on the time of year, you may find heavy water flow or, by late summer or fall, a light trickle. Head back to the trailhead by the same route, or if you are feeling adventurous, head up the main trail a bit more to explore. Look for the various wildflowers as well as many forms of wildlife that can frequent the area, such as deer, elk and moose.